Issue #822 Thu 18 Dec
Strands hints — December 18, 2025
A mid-week puzzle that requires a steady hand and a clear desk. We have parsed the grid into a series of interconnected pathways.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Whatever you set the night before is what gets you up — for better or worse.
Traditional home wellness and preventative care.
PROACTIVE DEFENSES AGAINST SEASONAL ILLNESS
Spangram 4 nudges · 14 letters
The connector word
A single, long compound noun.
14 letters.
Starts with I, ends with S.
IMMUNEBOOSTERS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 E (10 letters)
- 2 G (6 letters)
- 3 H (5 letters)
- 4 L (5 letters)
- 5 T (8 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 EL (10 letters)
- 2 GA (6 letters)
- 3 HO (5 letters)
- 4 LE (5 letters)
- 5 TU (8 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 nudges · 10 letters
A theme word
Small dark fruits often simmered down into a thick syrup for winter wellness.
10 letters.
Starts with E.
Starts with EL.
ELDERBERRY
Theme word 2 of 5 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
A pungent bulb that lingers on your fingertips long after you have finished chopping.
6 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GA.
GARLIC
Theme word 3 of 5 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
The viscous, golden prize harvested from a hive.
5 letters.
Starts with H.
Starts with HO.
HONEY
Theme word 4 of 5 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
A bright yellow citrus fruit that adds a sharp bite to a hot mug of water.
5 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LE.
LEMON
Theme word 5 of 5 5 nudges · 8 letters
A theme word
A vibrant root powder that leaves a stubborn, bright stain on every wooden spoon it touches.
8 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TU.
TURMERIC